. >>> and we're seven days away from going off the fiscal cliff and with washington in a political gridlock we're getting closer and closer. the question, how will it affect you and your paycheck? >>> the images, the words, the names, highlights and low lights of 2012. "newsroom" starts now. >>> good morning to you. i'm carol costello wishing you and yours a merry christmas and we begin with pope benedict xvi using his an i'll christmas message to speak about the hope for peace even in the most difficult times and situations. >> translator: in this world there's a good soil which god has prepared -- >> just hours ago the 85-year-old pope spoke to a crowd in st. peter's square and millions of others watching around the world. he said even in syria, a nation embroiled in a nearly two-year long civil war peace is possible. >> translator: yes, peace for the people of syria. deeply wounded and divided by a conflict which does not spare even the defenseless. and reaps innocent victims. once again, i appeal for an end to the bloodshed. easier access for the relief of refugees and the displaced. an